Every Thursday I’ll pose a question for you to share your experiences and tips. If you have a question that you’d like me to post, I’d love to hear from you!
If you’ve been couponing for very long, chances are you’ve come across a tough cashier — one who acts like you’re wasting their time or doing something illegal, who huffs and puffs as they scan your coupons or, worse, says that they can’t accept coupons that you know are valid and acceptable under the store’s policy. Running into too many of these types of cashiers can make couponing an awful experience instead of an enjoyable one, and more than one couponer has quit because they prefer to avoid confrontation.
So how do you deal with tough cashiers? Do you have tips to spot them and avoid them altogether? What do you do to try to “set the mood” before you check out? How do you handle their bad attitudes or refusal to accept coupons?
Join the discussion — add your two cents to previous Ask DSM Readers questions too!
jennifer
I avoid places more than certain cashiers. My target will take a crumpled up dirty sheet of paper, even if it won’t scan, and enter the numbers. Everyone says thank you!
walmart and my grocery store however are horrible, and one of the free milk with milk coupons the cashier manager actually came up and nicely accused me of fraud! I will never go to that store again, thank you. Dillons in my area too is wonderful, and try to ‘get my deals’. I think the different stores in different areas are open to coupons, others are not.
leah
Sadly I’v been to cvs SO often that I know the cashiers and workers, and know who to go to, and who not to, so that they will take my coupons. I have been accused of fraud also, such as copying a coupon that was Printed off from the printer!!!!! my printer was low on ink!!!! *sighing*, Publix I also recognize the people (and the managers), walmart I dont go to very often, but they have taken my coupons thus far, I do try and pick the happiest and most ‘nice looking’ cashier :), target is the same way!!!
But thats about it!!!
~Leah
Steve Zussino
Some stores just are tough with coupons.
Some chains are more open to these and the cashiers are friendlier.
I seem to find that younger cashiers are not as passionate when it comes to saving money so they can care less about the cashing of coupons. Some older cashiers do not like to redeem coupons.
Cammy
I just want to second the lady above. I live in Idaho and Walmart is terrible to do couponing with. I just try to avoid them at all costs. We have a Target, Winco and Fred Meyer are all great. I have even had Fred Meyer override the cash register just to make my coupons work. You just have to know the store and their friendliness.
Cammy
Sorry, one more great place is also Walgreens. I have them usually help me. They go out of their way to make sure I am getting the best deal.
Terri M
This may sound cliche but I say a prayer for the grumpy cashier because chances are they have their own baggage they bring with them to the job. As hard as it is I try to get THEM excited about the deals I’m getting by sharing the websites, like Deal Seeking Mom, that I found the awesome deals on. Sometimes the poor cashier is just jealous! ;) I had a sticky situation at Walgreens with a coupon/sale match deal where I was getting Excedrin for 50 cents a bottle and was talked to as if I was pulling on over on the company. By the time I left the woman was writing down your website and talking to my kids like they were her grandchildren. Sometimes the “kill ’em with kindness” tactic works wonders. If that doesn’t work however I try to stand my ground by calling over a manager POLITELY and pleaing my case. I’ve discovered that cashiers are much more willing to help out a patient yet persistent customer rather than an angry, huffy one.
ps in theory i’d like to have hard copies of every stores coupon policy but haven’t gotten that in order yet.
Traci
I shop regularly at both Publix and Target in the ATL area and every so often, I come across a hostile or mis-informed cashier. Those folks act as if I am “pulling something over on them”, especially when I use a manuf. Q and a store Q and I feel defensive. The irony is not lost on me–their own store printed a store Q and they are giving me a hard time for using it? I politely yet firmly ask for a manager and if it holds up the line, so be it. I have gotten tougher and I make no apologies for doing my homework when it comes to shopping. For the most part, I have a good experience but I still have those times and I remain calm and polite. If I have more Qs than products to purchase (ex. stacking a manuf Q and a store Q), then I will proceed directly to the front of the store/customer service so they can ring my purchase!
Lori Lawrence
Great question! I can’t wait to find out how others feel about these sour cashiers!
I just try to be pleasant & smile. I’m not argumentative, but firm. Only one time when I had too many Qs at Walmart, the mgr took them to her “office” & scrutinized them. While I stood there with a cashier who was disgusted with the mgr & there were people waiting in line. She came back & rejected a few, because she said that I couldn’t use the same coupon twice even though I bought two items. The cashier said after she left that didn’t make any since, because all I would have to do is come through the line again!
Speaking of Walmart — I have to return a few items from last week. I used coupons on a few of them. What is the policy of returning with a receipt, but a coupon may have been used on it? Walmart’s Qs are at the end of the receipt, not itemized like Target. Quite frankly, I don’t remember what had a Q & what didn’t.
Thanks for letting me share & I apologize for such a lengthy msg. Great topic, Tara!
Becky
I have not had too many problems with cashiers being mean, but I always go to the cosmetics counter at Walgreens to check out and they are so much nicer there. I do that so I don’t make people wait behind me. I did have one woman at my grocery store that was consistently condescending and RUDE about couponing and to me in general. I would just avoid her unless that was impossible and then kind of ignore her rude comments and try to be as cordial as possible as to not add flame to the fire. After about five different encounters I finally talked to the manager and they said they had been getting complaints about her, so I suppose they dealt with it.
jason d
I will NOT go to walmart any longer after my last visit it was horrible, was told that a manager was not available to authorize my coupon. I have NEVER had a problem at Target, if my coupons or more that the price of the item, and the other day i bought 10 things that way, they altered the value of the coupon. I do all of my grocery shopping at Giant Eagle and i have been going to my local store for over 5 yrs now so both my wife and i know which cashiers to avoid. There are none that give us a hard time about using coupons or the amount we have with us, they just dont seem ok with scanning an extra 20 or 30 items. There are really only 2 or 3 cashiers that we are uncomfortable with all the rest of the employees know us because they all love our 3 boys and are always commenting about our savings after everything is totaled. CVS has to be the MOST coupon friendly store i have ever been to, the cashiers have suggested to me to ring in 2 or 3 transactions so i could use my ECB on the other items in my cart. Once i can recall buying some CVS brand tums and the cashier sall that i had a Tums brand coupon in my hand (which i had no intention on using, the cost of generic was better than that of brand w/ the coupon) and mentioned that i could use it. that person prolly should not have done it, it has never happened again but it just goes to show how coupon friendly my CVS employees are.
maria
its hard to tell if they will give me hard time but I have had a few and I hate to be that Coupon lady holding up the line but I do my research just like we all do to get the most savings. I have as well been accused of coping the coupons because they are printable I just simply remind them copies of coupons would not have a watermark and they accept.
Terri M
ps this also might sound weird but male cashiers are MUCH less petty than females so I usually hit them up if I’m in a store I am not familiar with cashiers or where all I seem to see is disgruntled looking employees. :)
Amanda
I totally agree. Teenage boys especially– I always scope out the cashiers before I head to get my first item. I’ve walked out of the store already if it looks as if all the cashiers are going to be tough. Middle-aged women seem to be the toughest. I had one yesterday tell me “but you are only paying $.01 for this body wash (gasp) and I said “I know, isn’t that great!” and she looked at me as if I were trying to rob the store.
Also, if that is not an option, I always try to be friendly right from the start, and say something like “this is going to be the best deal ever” and start talking about how much money it will safe.
Jenna
yes yes yes!
Heather
I LOVE that your doing this, because I have came across these tough cashiers quite frequently lately!!!!!
They can be discouraging, but the friendly cashiers make up for it :) I love when your total goes from $40.00 down to $5.00 and they ask wow, how did you do that??!!
cc3
I learn by trial and error, if I have 2 bad experiences I never set foot in that store agin.
I have been VERY fortunate with my local Target – never had any problems! CVS – some take every coupon, expired ECBs, and even give rainchecks WITH ECBs for out-of-stock items, some refuse good legitimate coupons so I only go to certain CVSs.
Walgreens, however, is just AWFUL AWFUL AWFUL!!! There are 4 between my home and work, I now only go to one (and only on occasion) and refuse to ever set foot in the other 3 ever again (one had a cashier and manager who basically accused me of trying to steal from them by using coupons that got me items for a few cents and for free). Also, only 1 of the 4 will take coupons on RR items (I have been told that you can not buy an item with a coupon and get a RR – even though a lot of the weekly ads clearly state that you can find extra savings in your Sunday paper!!)
My rule is this: If a store will not take my coupons I ask for the manager, politely speak with them, offer to call corporate for them on my cell and if they are rude or accusatory or just refuse to take my coupons I leave everything on the counter, leave my cart and politely tell them that I am sorry they do not want my business and I leave. I will give a store 2 tries – after the second time I never shop there again.
I shop non-sale items and non-coupon items at these stores as well so they are losing a good chunk of business. Not that they care. But that is my story – looking forward to reading the experiences of others!
Bridget
In high school I was a cashier at a large chain store and I would have my bad days just like anyone else so I try to remember that maybe they’re just having a bad day. That being said some cashiers are just horrible to go to no matter when you come across them. I try to go to young guys. I’ve never had a problem going to a young man cashier, they’re just there to pay they’re bills and they could care less how many coupons I have or how many things are coming up free. They’re just waiting until they get to go home :). I find older women give me the most trouble even after I’ve shown policies and they’ve asked for help from a manager.
Kelli
First and foremost, I make sure that I have the correct product for the coupon. If the product I want is different than the one pictured I make sure the coupon clearly states that it is good on all varieties. I also make sure that I smile and am friendly. I know that scanning coupons is tetious, and it is part of their job but I want to at least be a likeable person, then they are less likely to think of me badly to begin with. I also offer the coupons right away before the cashier starts scanning food. I smile and say something like “I know sometimes the stores like you to cross check the coupons with my groceries and make sure I have everything correct before you start.” This sets the cashier at ease, she can tell I’m not trying to pull a fast one and that I understand that because of my coupons its going to take a little bit longer. Finally, when its all over and they tell me what I’ve saved I say “Thank for your help! In this economy every bit helps.” It makes the cashier feel like their extra effort is worth it and that they accomplished something too.
Terese Plumridge
I have the store coupon policies printed and in my purse and Target’s cooperate headquarters Phone number in my phone. You just call on the spot and teach the darn cashier a lesson on their stores policies. Target has approved this action and gave the number for our use. (1-800-440-0680)
Lisa
If I know 100% I am right I calmly state my case. It is hard when I have a 2 year old and 4 month old who are wanting to leave. I have some “lines” is use that can turn a non – knowledgeable person around. My favorite one I hear from a cashier is “you are getting it for free” … If it isn’t done with a snotty attitude I just smile, but if it is said in a manner that I feel is doubting what I am doing is right – I say… “Not really. I am “paying” with money the manufacture has given me in the form of a coupon. Just because it isn’t green doesn’t mean your store is giving me the product” That will either end the attitude (they realize I picked up on the way I was being treated) or it opens up the door for some conversation.
We all have that chain or location that we have issues with. I try to give it 3 shopping attempts before I move on. I don’t let a cashier tell me what i am doing wrong and let their word be it. I go to the manager and some times regional manager to make sure we are all on the same page. I tell the cashiers at Rite Aid (since that is my problem store) that I understand that they are trying to do their job and it isn’t fair the policy always changes but I want to make sure we are all doing what is correct and THEY are not losing a customer. I find as long as I don’t attack when I ask for clarification I usually get it.
Sara
I agree, Terri…male cashiers are almost always nicer and more likely to take coupons than female ones in my experience (sadly).
I’m always friendly to the cashiers from the get go and try to remain polite even when there is a disagreement. If a cashier won’t see my side of the argument and accept a legit. coupon, I usually just have them take the item off my total and give me my coupon back. Then I go to customer service to discuss the issue…that way I’m not holding up the line and making a scene. If that doesn’t work, then I take my business elsewhere!
I have also learned to pick my battles. I gave up using coupons for trial-size items at my Target store long ago because they just REALLY do not want to take them. It’s not worth the argument for me!
megan
The cashiers at our target in Lake Charles make me feel guilty every single sticking time I go. Just yesterday I held up the line for about 10 minutes because my cashier was being a pain, even though I know the policys and had exactly one target coupon and one manuf. coupon per item. Then the women refused to give me back the coupons when I told her that I no longer wanted the items that she would not let me use the coupons on- needless to say our Target does not know anything about coupons!!!! I only wish there was another one close because I would never step foot in that one again-
Shelly T.
She did not have the right to keep your coupons if you did not purchase the items! Did you go to the manager and tell them you want them back? I think this would have been the time to call corporate. I feel for you. I only have one Target to shop at, and I have to pick my cashiers. There is one that I try to avoid at all costs, but sometimes she is the only one available.
alex
I smile and ask for a manager if they give me a hard time. I am not doing anything illegal so they have to tolerate what I am using. to rub it in, i’ll go out of my way to have them as a cashier the next time. People hate it when you smile and treat them with kindness once they have done something wrong to you.
alex
Willow Marie
Being a cashier at Walgreens, I HATE it when people compliment you first thing and when you get to the coupons on their order,they have expired coupons, or too many/not the right ones for their items. I have found with those people they think you will force their coupons through, or risk their job by accepting expired coupons just because they complimented me. That really pisses me off because they make it so obvious! Plus, I do see a LOT of scammers come through my lines. But on the other note, I don’t mind high coupon orders, because I do the same! As long as you know the rules, there is usually no problems. I even get suggestions by seeing how they pair diff. things together.
I know in the past year or two, there was a time when we couldn’t accept printed internet coupons, but that did change. Also, there was, I think a tape coupon, that had been leaked on the web that more people got than were supposed to. So stores were not supposed to be accepting them because the manufacturer didn’t have the money to cover all those extra printed coupons. As a result, the store that accepted it would have been the one losing money (because the stores get reimbursed).
Shelly T.
Curious as to what kind of scammers you get?
Melinda M
There are certain stores in my area that I avoid because they aren’t friendly to couponers. In fact, they are outright adversarial. And there are stores that are incredibly friendly – they get my business.
Part of it comes down to training. Some store managers just don’t care. Some don’t train their cashiers on coupons and what they are (and the fact that the store gets reimbursed). I’ve had a cashier tell me that she couldn’t let me get what I was getting for the price I was getting because I wasn’t paying enough.
A big part of it is to know the store’s coupon policy. I know the policies. And I’ll be firm, but polite. I will also ask to speak to a manager if needed. If I don’t get help from a manager, I abandon my purchase and step outside to call corporate. When I talk to corporate, I politely let them know what is going on and the steps I’ve taken and what has been told to me by the store. Corporate cares – they get that it’s easier to keep a customer than to get a new one.
A couple of cashiers, I outright avoid. I don’t know how some of them (who are consistently rude) are allowed to work with the public.
Patricia
My Walgreens has a miserable cashier and Target too. It is very frustrating when they act like you’re a criminal. I think it is just jealousy. I have told them you could do this too – the coupons are located at such and such site. It does make your shopping experience better if they cooperate!
Annette Herbst
The only place I have ever had trouble is at Walmart not just one Walmart but 3. I have to drive 30 minutes to get to one and 1 1/2 hr. to the others. I WILL not shop teh one that is closest to me. And I wont shop one of the others but I usually look for a clerk I have had before and pray that there isnt trouble. I always ask for a Manager if need be but that doesnt usually help. I have to say I am always looking for a new store because I feel Walmart doesn’t care for it’s customers. And I WILL not apologize for saving money for my family.
Jenny
I make sure that all of the items I have coupons for are separated and at the FRONT of all my other items. That way the cashier can easily find what they need when it comes time to take off my coupons especially those freebies! I also make sure I have the correct item, size etc. I was a cashier for many years as a teenager so I know how it can be a tough job. They often appreciate the fact that I have gone out of my way to make it easier for them so are easier on me and my coupons!
CJ
I usually give the cashier a little time to try to figure out the problem with the coupon, I ask her questions, I try to give her helpful hints about how it should work. If she’s annoyed I’ll apologize for the problems but I tell her that I know I’m using the coupon properly. If she really pitches a fit I politely remind her that I can void my whole order and take my money and my coupons elsewhere. Ultimately its that cashier and their store who decides whether they want my business or not. Fortunately I dont have major problems with my coupons, just an occasional one every once in a while.
Jamie
Yesterday my mother and I had a hard time with a cashier @ Target. This Target was not my normal Target, so I was caught off guard by the rudeness and down right hostile attitude by the cashier. We both had Manuf. Q’s and Store Q’s and the cashier stated to my Mother that one of the coupons didn’t print properly so therefore she could not use. I simply suggested to her to type in the information, and that’s when she became irritated, called over a Mgr. who typed in the information. She slammed my mothers change and receipt on the counter. Upon my turn she did not scan all my double coupons, did not thank me or even look at me at the end of the transaction. I went to CS to request they correct this error and to inform them of this cashier and her lack of CS. They did refund me the difference of the missing coupons. Normally when I encounter these types of problem, I simply tell them to remove the item from my sale and I remind them of the lost sale.
melissa
I have had my fair share of less than positive experiences due to uninformed employees. I always have the stores coupon policy handy. In stores like Wags and Kroger where there is not a corporate coupon policy I tend to just have the cashier void the item off. I can always buy it later. I’ve found that at Walgreens the cosmetic counter can be your best friend. At Target I look for young male cashiers. My biggest advice is simply laugh. It can be very easy to get upset when being accused of fraud and I’m sure it’s happened to all of us. Also, call corporate not just for the bad experiences but ALWAYS call for the good ones. You can do it on your way home and it only takes a few moments. I also have my kids face the aisles as we shop. In the past I worked retail and it can be aggravating when kids destroy the store. I reward my kids with a little treat when we leave for being such good helpers. You almost always need a filler at Walgreens anyway. So, I buy them a Now n Later or a Tootsie Roll. I love the above comment about saying a prayer! That’s awesome, great advice!
Prudence
**Be polite and friendly
**Make sure I am using coupons correctly.
**I avoid older women cashiers and try to go to younger male cashiers
**I have had no problems at Walmart. I do everything I can to make the transaction go smoothly – try not to use of 40 coupons or over $50 worth of coupons and separate out the B1G1 products so the cashier can find the value easily.
**I used to have some trouble at Target but they have improved.
**I will now be avoiding Dollar General because they don’t know what they are doing. I don’t like hassle.
Lisa, I like your response to the uncooperative cashier. Does anyone else have any good lines?